Sleeping among the dunes is often the very reason for the trip. It is also the night that raises the most questions: how do you get to camp, how comfortable are the tents, is it cold, what should you bring? Here is how a night in a desert camp goes on our trips, in Erg Chebbi as well as Erg Chegaga.
Arriving at camp in the late afternoon
In Merzouga, at the foot of Erg Chebbi, the camel drivers wait for you at the edge of the dunes. The camel ride to camp lasts 45 to 50 minutes depending on the trip, and usually takes place at sunset. In Erg Chegaga, you reach camp by 4x4 along the tracks, then an optional camel ride, or a walk, takes you up the dunes for sunset. In Erg Chegaga, Saharan tea is waiting for you at camp.
The evening: dinner, fire and stars
Dinner is served at camp, cooked by the camp team. Depending on the camp and the evening, Berber music carries on into the night. Then comes the moment our travellers talk about most when they get home: the sky. Far from any town and with no lights around, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on a clear night.
How comfortable are the tents?
Comfort depends on the trip, and we always state it in each programme:
- In Merzouga, some trips include a comfort camp with private showers and toilets, others comfort or luxury tents;
- In Erg Chegaga, the night is spent in nomad tents or comfort tents, with separate or shared showers and toilets.
Bedding and blankets are provided. Electricity, however, is often limited at camp: charge your devices the night before and bring a power bank.
Sunrise over the dunes
It is an early start, but nobody regrets it. You climb the nearest dune to watch the sun rise over the sea of sand: the light changes by the minute, and it is the best time for photos. Breakfast is served at camp before you set off again.
What to pack for a night in the desert
Leave your large suitcase in the vehicle and pack a small bag for the night, which is easier to carry on a camel. This is what we suggest putting in it:
- A warm layer: a jumper or fleece and a jacket, even in spring and autumn. In winter, add a hat and gloves.
- A chèche or a large scarf, against sun and sand; your guide will show you how to tie it.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
- A head torch, for getting around camp at night.
- Shoes that are easy to slip off: you walk barefoot in the sand, but evenings are cool.
- A power bank and a pouch to protect your phone and camera from the sand.
- A water bottle, wet wipes and any personal medication.
A few desert rules
- Leave nothing behind: the desert stays clean.
- Ask before photographing camel drivers and nomads.
- Choose your season: our article When to visit the Moroccan desert will help you find the right time.
Sleep in the dunes with us
Most of our desert escapes include a night in a desert camp, for example:
- From Ouarzazate, in 2 days: Merzouga Desert or Chegaga Desert;
- From Marrakech: Sahara Express (3 days) or Dream of Sand (6 days).
Torn between the two ergs? Read Erg Chebbi or Erg Chegaga: which desert should you choose?
